George Russell warns F1 over risks of “horrific incident” at Brazil GP

George Russell reveals "horrific incident" fears if qualifying weather conditions are repeated in Brazil.

By Lewis Larkam · Crash

Published: Sunday, 8 November 2026 at 3:35 PM

Key Things to Know

George Russell warned racing in extreme wet conditions at Interlagos could trigger a horrific incident.
Qualifying for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix was halted for nearly 90 minutes due to torrential rain.
Russell qualified second-fastest for Mercedes but drops to seventh on the grid after an engine change penalty.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Mercedes driver George Russell has warned Formula 1 officials that racing in torrential rain during Sunday's Sao Paulo Grand Prix could lead to a "horrific incident." His comments followed severe weather disruptions during qualifying at Interlagos, where zero visibility and severe aquaplaning forced a red flag that halted the session for nearly 90 minutes.

Russell qualified second-fastest but faces a grid drop to seventh following an engine change penalty. Meanwhile, pole-sitter Lando Norris of McLaren described the conditions as some of the wettest he had experienced, though Norris stated he welcomed the challenge of a potential wet race.

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